This book discusses why specific diseases are being targeted for cell-based retinal therapy, what evidence exists that justifies optimism for this approach, and what challenges must be managed in order to bring this technology from the laboratory into routine clinical practice. There are a number of unanswered questions (e.g., surgical approach to cell delivery, management of immune response, optimum cell type to transplant) that very likely are not going to be answered until human trials are undertaken, but there is a certain amount of “de-risking” that can be done with preclinical experimentation. This book is essential reading for scientists, clinicians, and advanced students in stem cell research, cell biology, and ophthalmology.

Ocular neuroprotection is aimed at protecting the death of photoreceptors, retinal ganglion, or other important neurons in cases of disease or trauma. Levin (ophthalmology and neurology, U. of Wisconsin at Madison, US) and Di Polo (pathology and cell biology, U. of Montreal, Canada) present 18 chapt.

This book will contain the proceedings of the XIV International Symposium on Retinal Degeneration (RD2010), held July 13-17, 2010, in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada. The volume will present representative state-of-the-art research in almost all areas of retinal degenerations, ranging from cytopathologic, physiologic, diagnostic and clinical aspects; animal models; mechanisms of cell death; candidate genes, cloning, mapping and other aspects of molecular genetics; and developing potential therapeutic measures such as gene therapy and neuroprotective agents for potential pharmaceutical therapy.

Since the first successful isolation and cultivation of human embryonic stem cells at the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1998, there has been high levels of both interest and controversy in this area of research. This book provides a concise overview of an exciting field, covering the characteristics of both human embryonic stem cells and pluripotent stem cells from other human cell lineages. The following chapters describe state-of-the-art differentiation and characterization of specific ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm-derived lineages from human embryonic stem cells, emphasizing how these can be used to study human developmental mechanisms. A further chapter discusses genetic manipulation of human ES cells. The concluding section covers therapeutic applications of human ES cells, as well as addressing the ethical and legal issues that this research have raised.

Patient specific and disease specific stem cell lines have already introduced groundbreaking advances into the research and practice of ophthalmology. This volume provides a comprehensive and engaging overview of the latest innovations in the field. Twelve chapters discuss the fastest growing areas in ophthalmological stem cell research, from disease modelling, drug screening and gene targeting to clinical genetics and regenerative treatments. Innovative results from stem cell research of the past decade are pointing the way toward practicable treatments for retinitis pigmentosa, age related macular degeneration, and Stargardt disease. What future directions will stem cell research take? Researchers, graduate students, and fellows alike will find food for thought in this insightful guide tapping into the collective knowledge of leaders in the field. Stem Cells in Ophthalmology is part of the Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine series dedicated to discussing current challenges and future directions in stem cell research.

This advanced text, first published in 2006, takes a developmental approach to the presentation of our understanding of how vertebrates construct a retina. Written by experts in the field, each of the seventeen chapters covers a specific step in the process, focusing on the underlying molecular, cellular, and physiological mechanisms. There is also a special section on emerging technologies, including genomics, zebrafish genetics, and stem cell biology that are starting to yield important insights into retinal development. Primarily aimed at professionals, both biologists and clinicians working with the retina, this book provides a concise view of vertebrate retinal development. Since the retina is 'an approachable part of the brain', this book will also be attractive to all neuroscientists interested in development, as processes required to build this exquisitely organized system are ultimately relevant to all other parts of the central nervous system.

Vision is the most important sense in higher mammals. The retina is the first step in visual processing and the window to the brain. It is not surprising that problems arising in the retina lead to moderate to severe visual impairments. We offer here a collection of reviews as well as original papers dealing with various aspects of retinal function as well as dysfunction. New approaches in retinal research are described, such as the expression and localization of the endocannabinoid system in the normal retina and the role of cannabinoid receptors that could offer new avenues of research in the development of potential treatments for retinal diseases. Moreover, new insights are offered in advancing knowledge towards the prevention and cure of visual pathologies, mainly AMD, RP, and diabetic retinopathy.

​This book provides the ophthalmologist with the most recently available data on the macular dystrophies, a group of many different inherited or sporadic eye conditions linked by a problem with photoreceptors or other structures of the central retina. Internationally recognized experts in the field present the latest evidence and discuss their own personal experiences with regard to each of the principal dystrophies as well as some very rare entities. Topics covered include molecular biology, state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques, and the newest treatment options, including still experimental therapies. Attention is also devoted to a range of issues that continue to be debated. The editors have taken care to ensure that chapters are of a uniformly high standard while not sacrificing the originality of the individual authors. Macular Dystrophies will fully acquaint the reader with both the latest research findings and the current and emerging approaches to diagnosis and treatment.

This book presents the latest knowledge and expert guidance on all aspects of inherited retinal diseases, including molecular genetics, diagnosis, clinical features, general principles of treatment, novel treatment methods, and genetic counseling. Recent years have witnessed great advances in understanding of the genetic and cytological background of these diseases. Genetic analysis methods such as next generation sequencing have remarkably reduced the cost and time required for massive analysis of patients’ samples. Studies on gene therapy and stem cell therapy have been successfully carried out in animal models, and gene therapy is now available for Leber congenital amaurosis caused by RPE65 mutations. Against this background, Inherited Retinal Disease will be an invaluable up-to-date resource for ophthalmologists, medical students, and researchers in ocular inflammation. In addition to supplying essential information on each individual disorder, it features many interesting cases contributed by global leaders in the field as well as clinical photographs obtained with newer imaging techniques and numerous images of rare but clinically important diseases.